An Interactive and Dynamic Perspective of L2 Motivation while Performing Tasks over Different Timescales

Authors
1 PhD candidate of applied linguistics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Associate professor of applied linguistics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Assistant professor of applied linguistics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Motivation for learning a new language does not have an all-or-none impact. It is gradually formed and fluctuated over time and on each timescale has varying levels of influence on a person’s endeavor to learn a language. At the present time, scholars claim that throughout the Second Language Development (SLD) different timescales interact with each other and this interaction is nonlinear, complex and dynamic in nature (de Bot, 2015). The present study attempted to investigate the motivational dynamics of a group of language learners in longer timescales composed of a number of tasks performed on shorter timescales. Moreover, it scrutinized the participants’ potential attribution for the variation in their motivational intensity. Ten participants were interviewed at the onset, while performing tasks and at the end of the course to better picture the interplay of different motivational themes over time. The findings confirmed temporal variation in participants’ motivation. Moreover, the data revealed the fact that motivational themes were not equally effective over the course and during task performance. External incentives and desired L2 proficiency as two major initial motivational factors, for instance, were gradually replaced by internal incentives and L2 learning enjoyment over the semester. However, personal pursuits in L2 learning were equally influential over these timescales. Moreover, L2 future image and positive feelings towards L2 speakers were the least referred factors over all the timescales. Gender and culture-specificity of some of the motivational themes was another finding of this study. As for the attributions behind their motivation, the participants referred to reasons such as parents’ pressure, passion for pursuing personal goals, the kind of tasks, the harmony between their character type and the task type, and gaining more experience through the course. In sum, participants’ motivation was composed of a web of interrelated and dynamic factors which varied over different timescales. Finally, some implications were driven from the findings of the study.

Keywords


  • قربان دوردی نژاد، فرهاد (1394). « ساخت، رواسازی و پایاسازی پرسش‌نامۀ انگیزش و نگرش یادگیری زبان انگلیسی». جستارهای زبانی. د 6 . ش 2 (پیاپی 23). صص 107-128.


 



  • Busse, V. & C. Walter, (2013). “Foreign language learning motivation in higher education: a longitudinal study of motivational changes and their causes”. The Modern Language Journal. 97(2). Pp. 435–456. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4781.2013.12004.x

  • Campbell, E. & N. Storch, (2011). “The challenging face of motivation: a study of second language learners’ motivation over time”. Australian Review of Applied Linguistics. 34(2). Pp. 166–192. doi:10.1075/aral.34.2.03cam

  • de Bot, K. (2012). “Time scales in second language development”. Dutch Journal of Applied Linguistics. 1(1). Pp. 143–149. doi:10.1075/dujal.1.1.10deb

  • de Bot, K. (2015). “Rates of change: timescales in second language development”. In Z. Dörnyei, A. Henry & P.D. MacIntyre (eds.) Motivational dynamics in language learning. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. Pp.2937.

  • Denzin, K.N. & Y.S.  Lincoln (2005). The sage handbook of qualitative research. Sage.

  • Dörnyei, Z. (2002). “The motivational basis of language learning tasks”. InP. Robinson (ed.) Individual differences and instructed language learning. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. Pp. 137–158. doi:10.1075/lllt.2.10dor

  • Dörnyei, Z. (2005). “New ways of motivating foreign language learners: generating vision”. Links. 38. Pp. 3–4.

  • Dörnyei, Z. (2009). “The L2 motivational self system”. In Z. Dörnyei & E. Ushioda (eds.) Motivation, language identity and the L2 self. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. Pp.9–42.

  • Dörnyei, Z. (2014). “Researching complex dynamic systems:‘retrodictive qualitative modelling’ in the language classroom”. Language Teaching. 47(1). Pp. 80–91.  doi:0.1017/S0261444811000516

  • Dörnyei, Z.; A. Henry & P.D. MacIntyre, (2015). Motivational dynamics in language learning. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.

  • Dörnyei, Z. & I. Ottó, (1998). “Motivation in action: a process model of L2 motivation”. Working Papers in Applied Linguistics. 4. Pp. 43–69. London: Thames Valley University.

  • Gorban Dordi-nezhad, F. (2015). “Construction, validation and reliability of the foreign language attitude and motivation questionnaire”. Language Related Research, 6(2). Pp. 107-128. [In Persian]

  • Hiver, P. (2015). “Attractor states”. In Z. Dörnyei, A. Henry, and P.D. MacIntyre (eds.) Motivational dynamics in language learning. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. Pp. 20–28.

  • Kormos, J. & Z. Dörnyei (2004). “The interaction of linguistic and motivational variables in second language task performance”. Zeitschrift für interkulturellen Fremdsprachenunterricht. 9(2). Pp. 1–19.

  • Larsen-Freeman, D. (2015). “Ten ‘lessons’ from complex dynamic systems theory: what is on offer”. In Z. Dörnyei, A. Henry & P.D. MacIntyre (eds.) Motivational dynamics in language learning. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. Pp.1119.

  • MacIntyre, P.D. & A. Serroul, (2015). “Motivation on a per-second timescale: examining approach-avoidance motivation during L2 task performance”. In Z. Dörnyei, A. Henry & P.D. MacIntyre (eds.) Motivational dynamics in language learning. Bristol: Multilingual Matters. Pp.109138.

  • Papi, M. & Y. Teimouri ,(2012). “Dynamics of selves and motivation: a cross‐sectional study in the EFL context of Iran”. International Journal of Applied Linguistics. 22(3). Pp. 287–309. doi:10.1111/j.1473-4192.2012.00312.x

  • Poupore, G. (2013). “Task motivation in process: a complex systems perspective”. Canadian Modern Language Review/La Revue canadienne des langues vivantes. 69(1). Pp. 91–116. doi:10.3138/cmlr.1139

  • Ritchie, J. & L. Spencer, (2002). “Qualitative data analysis for applied policy research”. In A.M. Huberman & M.B. Miles (eds.) The qualitative researcher’s companion. London: Sage. Pp. 305–329.

  • Shaikholeslami, R. & M. Khayyer, (2006). “Intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and learning English as a foreign language”. Psychological reports. 99(3). Pp. 813–818. doi:10.2466RR0.99.3.813-818

  • Shoaib, A.M. & Z. Dörnyei, (2005). “Affect in life-long learning: Exploring L2 motivation as a dynamic process”. In P. Benson & D. Nunan (eds.) Learners’ Stories: Difference and Diversity in Language Learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Pp.22–41.

  • Waninge, F.; Z. Dörnyei & K. de Bot ,(2014). “Motivational dynamics in language learning: change, stability, and context”. The Modern Language Journal. 98(3). Pp. 704–723. doi:10.1111/modl.12118

  • Yaghoubinejad, H.; N. Zarrinabadi & S. Ketabi, (2016). “Fluctuations in foreign language motivation: an investigation into Iranian learners’ motivational change over time”. Current Psychology. Pp. 1–10. doi:10.1007/s12144-016-9467-6